Bürgerbooks from Mecklenburg

Life in Germany was strictly regulated in Medieval times.
Privileges and responsibilities between individuals were
carefully spelled out. One of the cherished positions of status
was that of a Burger in a town or city. Persons wishing to
become a Burger had to fulfill certain requirements and pledge
support in specific ways to the town government. Applications to
become a Burger give a great deal of family information.

The Immigrant Genealogical Library has acquired copies of Burger
Books for some of the major cities in Mecklenburg. They are
indexed and we can provide copies if your ancestor was a Burger.
Donation - US$5.00

___ Alt-Strelitz. Burgers listed for 1621 to 1918. This book
starts after a fire destroyed most of the town in 1619.

___ Alt-Schwerin. Burgers listed from 1560-1831-- from the
beginning of such records.

___ Güstrow. Entries in the Burgerbook begin in 1592 and
continue to 1914.

___ Hagenow. A list of inhabitants and burgers from 1759 to
1919.

___ Neubrandenburg. The first Burgerbook available from eastern
archives in 1991. Burgers from 1676 to 1912.

___ Neustrelitz. Burgers from the establishment of the city in
1733 up to 1912.

___ Stavenhagen. Because the first Burgerbook was burned in a
fire in 1727, these lists cover 1724 to 1918.

___ Waren. The first Burgerbook begins after the fire of 1699.
It covers from 1700 through 1918.

___ Wesenberg. This town was founded in 1250 under Schwerin
rule. Burgers are listed from 1529 to 1743.